BRITAIN is braced for a summer of hosepipe bans after experts warned residents to use their "water wisely" amid fears of a shortage across southern England.

Water levels across the UK have slumped to below average as fears over a drought hitting parts of southern England following unseasonably warm weather this year and a serious lack of April showers grow.

The dry spell follows months of below-average rainfall with conditions not expected to bring significant precipitation before May.

The Met Office forecasts the next few months are likely to feature above average temperatures and below average rainfall.

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We always advise that everyone use water wisely – especially during a period of dry weather

Environment Agency spokesman

If current "below average" levels reach "low" levels, restrictions which include a hosepipe ban, could be put in place across the south east.

An Environment Agency spokesman urged residents to save their water in case restrictions are implemented in the face of shortages.

He told Express.co.uk: “Following a dry winter, some rivers, groundwaters and reservoirs are lower than normal for the time of year.

"We always advise that everyone use water wisely – especially during a period of dry weather - and to follow the advice of their water company should water saving measures be required.

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Affinity Water levels show restrictions could be put in place

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"The Environment Agency, water companies, businesses and farmers are working together to minimise any potential impacts to people and the environment should the dry weather continue.”

The spokesman noted: "We always advise that everyone use water wisely – especially after a period of dry weather - and to follow the advice of their water company if water saving measures are required.

"There are currently no environmental or water supply issues as a result of the dry weather, but we are carefully monitoring the situation and will take action to manage any environmental impacts."

Weather data from this year so far reveals rainfall has been 50 per cent - 70 per cent below the average for this time of year, according to Affinity Water.

This means Britain has not seen the usual rise in groundwater levels that is usually expected.

Meanwhile, rivers, ground waters and reservoirs are said to be "lower than normal for the time of year" due to drier weather in March.

Affinity Water spokesman told Express.co.uk: “Since July 2016, our region has received just over half of the normal rainfall that we would usually expect.

“Due to the low rainfall many rivers across the Southeast of England have seen flows decrease.

“Our ground water sources have also been affected by the low rainfall, which is where 60 per cent of the water we supply to our customers comes from.

"We are encouraging our customers to save water to help preserve supplies and minimise the possibility of restrictions this summer."

GETTY

Temperatures have been warmer than expected this year

However Southern Water, which service Kent, Isle of Wight, Sussex and Hampshire, said they do not believe they will have to introduce a hosepipe ban.

A spokesman said:"Despite the dry winter, we don’t believe we will need to take measures, such as introducing Temporary Use Bans, previously known as hosepipe bans, in our water supply areas this spring and summer.

We’re continuing to monitor the situation closely, with clear plans in place to make sure we’re fully prepared, should the relatively dry weather continue in the months ahead.